Beefed-up Ranger to bear Super Duty badge
BY COBEY BARTELS | 19th Nov 2024
FORD has revealed that a beefed-up Ranger model will wear the Super Duty nameplate from 2026 – the first time the hardcore specification will be applied to a Blue Oval model that is not an F-Series truck – packing towing, gross vehicle mass and gross combination mass ratings to rival larger 1500-class pickups.
The Australian arm of the US car-maker claims the Ranger Super Duty will deliver next-level, work-ready capability to serve customers wanting a tougher option, born out of collaboration with fleet customers, with development for global markets led by a 1500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists based Down Under.
While limited details have been revealed, Ford Australia has confirmed the Super Duty will still be a mid-size ute but with credentials that put it closer to a light-duty truck.
The announcement outlines a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg (right on the limit for a standard car licence), maximum braked towing capacity of 4500kg, and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 8000kg.
To put those numbers into perspective, and while Ford is yet to confirm payload, the current Ranger (and just about every dual-cab ute on the market) offers a towing capacity of 3500kg, a GVM of between 3000-3350kg, and GCM tops out at 6400kg.
A kerb weight of between 2000kg to 2400kg leaves most dual-cab utes with a payload of around a tonne – plenty for the average weekend warrior but short on what a serious adventurer or fleet operator might need.
While the various 1500-class pickups on the market – such as the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado – do offer a 4500kg towing capacity, their payload hovers around 700kg.
The GVM of a 1500-class ute is around 3500kg and the GCM around 7500kg, which also puts them behind the figures Ford has revealed for its heavy-hitting Ranger.
It appears then, that Ford is likely going after the serious end of town – customers that want commercial levels of productivity without having to buy a fully-fledged truck. At least that is GoAuto’s take, and it makes a lot of sense.
Ford Australia says the Ranger Super Duty has been engineered and designed to deliver the higher GVM, GCM and towing capacity, as well as enhanced off-road capability, for industries like emergency services, mining, utilities, forestry and more.
“Ranger Super Duty blends the smart features and advanced safety of our award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability and delivers what our buyers told us they needed but couldn’t get anywhere else,” said Ford Motor Company general manager, global truck, Sondra Sutton Phung.
“This work-ready vehicle will give owners the flexibility they need to get the big jobs done, with the confidence of a factory-backed warranty.”
This new model is being developed by Ford's International Markets Group product development team, but will be led by a 1500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists based in Australia.
According to the announcement, the new model will be manufactured in Thailand and will go on sale in various markets.
“Ranger Super Duty further strengthens our commercial vehicle portfolio, with an offering for all kinds of work,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive, Andrew Birkic.
“As we move closer to launch, we will continue to work closely with fleets and vehicle modifiers across Australia to be sure that Ranger Super Duty does everything they expect it to, and so much more.”
While little is known about specifications of the Ranger Super Duty, the numbers hint at it being Ford’s heaviest hitter for the fleet, trade and adventure markets.